Doubts can lead you away from or towards God

By Rick Bayer, January 24, 2021

John 20:24-29

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

  1. God won't leave you because of your doubts...but

Text your questions/doubts to 1-833-770-1517

Belief - Doubt - Unbelief

  1. After all the evidence is in, it still requires v. 27
  1. Faith is not belief in a statement but trust in v. 24

Questions for group/personal study:

  • Read John 20:24-29

  • Do you identify with Thomas in his desire for proof?

  • What does it mean for you that Jesus is gentle in His response to Thomas?

  • What have you found helpful in dealing with your doubts?

  • How have you met an alive Jesus in your questioning?

  • Rick said that a disciple of Jesus is someone who believes God in all areas of life. Are you currently doing that or is there some area of unbelief you want to repent of and trust Christ for? How can your group help?

For a 30 minute testimony of someone who lost faith and re-found it, you can watch here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x74-xXzCt_Q